The Champions League semi-final between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich was wide open ahead of Wednesday night’s return at the Santiago Bernabéu. The first meeting in Germany ended 2-2.
Real Madrid opened the match strongly and were immediately just millimeters away from taking the lead when Rodrygo – alone in front of goal – missed Dani Carvajal’s low cross with his big toe.
But it was Bayern Munich who would take the lead. Alphonso Davies made it 1-0 to the visitors in the 68th minute.
A result that seemed to hold up.
But in the 88th came the equalizer. Manuel Neuer fired home a long-range shot, and then substitute striker Joselu was alert in the penalty area as he slotted home for 1-1 (3-3 on aggregate) from close range.
“Colossal Hero”
– It’s not the best shooting position. You think it’s a routine save for Neuer, but it’s a nasty bounce right in front of him that makes him unable to keep the ball. Possibly he will steer it to the side, Jens Fjellström said in the broadcast.
– Real Madrid should never be counted out!
And that was the beginning of an unlikely turnaround.
Three minutes later, Joselu was right on a cross and bumped in 2-1 to Real Madrid. The goal passed a VAR review, and the Spaniard was able to collect his second goal of the evening.
– He is an absolutely colossal hero for Real Madrid right now! roared Lasse Granqvist.